Good morning, friends!
Wednesday brings a packed day of local happenings, from City Hall transparency to community spirit in action!
Langley City just released its 2024 financial disclosures showing what Mayor Nathan Pachal and councillors earned last year, while dedicated volunteers are working to transform the forgotten Ponder Park into a neighborhood gem.
Meanwhile, Aldergrove's beloved "Meat in the Streets" fundraiser is gearing up for another year of great barbecue and charitable giving.
Beyond local borders, health officials are tracking three measles cases in Chilliwack as vaccination rates fall short, and a new investigation reveals how BC's industrial trawling fleet operates largely in secret despite massive environmental impacts.
On the political front, housing advocates are connecting the dots between Conservative policies and rising rents, showing how corporate landlords have benefited from regulatory rollbacks.
Tonight offers plenty to do around town, whether you're interested in weighing in on the new City of Langley zoning bylaw at City Hall, catching some free live music at the Sounds of Summer concert series in Douglas Park, or celebrating Pride Month at Camp Beer Co's community mingler.
Local Langley News
Council Pay Details Released as City Publishes 2024 Financial Disclosures
Langley City has released its mandatory 2024 Council Remuneration and Statement of Financial Information report, showing Mayor Nathan Pachal earned $146,485 including expenses and benefits.
The disclosure reveals councillors earned between $71,298 and $77,629 each, with variations due to Deputy Mayor rotations and different benefit choices.
Expenses varied based on conference attendance, including the advocacy mission to Ottawa and Crime Severity Index conference participation.
Community Heroes Transform Forgotten Park Into Local Gem
Dedicated volunteers are breathing new life into Ponder Park, transforming overgrown paths and uncovering forgotten treasures.
The grassroots renaissance effort is turning the neglected space into what locals are calling a true Langley jewel.
The project demonstrates how community spirit can revitalize public spaces when government resources fall short.
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Aldergrove's 3rd Annual "Meat in the Streets" Fundraiser Approaches
Five barbecue masters will fire up their grills on June 28 for the third annual "Meat in the Streets" fundraiser in Aldergrove.
The event aims to feed hungry tummies while raising funds for local kids' programs.
It's become a beloved community tradition that combines great food with charitable giving.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Fraser Health Confirms Three Locally Acquired Measles Cases in Chilliwack, Vaccination Rates Fall Short
Three unvaccinated Chilliwack residents have contracted measles in what Fraser Health calls locally acquired cases with no travel history, marking a concerning development as the region's vaccination rates lag behind the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
With Chilliwack's two-year-old vaccination rate at just 79% for the MMR vaccine, health officials warn more cases could emerge and have identified several public exposure locations including Mark's, Walmart, and local businesses between June 16-18.
The highly infectious disease, which can cause severe complications including pneumonia and brain swelling, spreads through airborne transmission and highlights the critical need for community-wide vaccination efforts.
Anyone born in 1970 or later who hasn't received two doses of measles vaccine should get vaccinated immediately, with free vaccines available at public health units, family doctors, and pharmacies.
British Columbia's Industrial Trawlers Hide Devastating Environmental Impact Behind Veil of Corporate Secrecy
A damning new report exposes how massive industrial trawling operations off BC's coast have carved a path of ecological destruction spanning 90,000 square kilometers while the federal government shields their activities from public scrutiny.
Pacific Wild was forced to purchase expensive private tracking data to reveal how these corporate factory ships are systematically targeting the province's most vulnerable marine ecosystems and appear to be illegally fishing within Marine Protected Areas.
While industry representatives claim their operations are heavily regulated, environmental groups argue these measures fall far short of protecting coastal communities from an extractive industry that operates largely out of sight and accountability.
Surrey Hit-and-Run Leaves Teen Hospitalized
A 14-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in Surrey during a Sunday night hit-and-run incident that has shaken the community.
Police have charged the driver with impaired driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving and the vulnerability of young pedestrians in busy urban areas.
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National Canadian News
International Crisis Demands Canadian Moral Leadership on Gaza
As Israel-Iran tensions escalate following conflicts in Gaza, calls are growing for Canada to show moral courage in its foreign policy response.
An increasing number of Canadians view Israel's actions in Gaza and recent bombing of Iran as unacceptable war crimes that demand stronger condemnation.
The situation tests Canada's commitment to human rights and international law amid complex geopolitical pressures from allies.
Housing Crisis Deepens as Conservative Policies Benefit Corporate Landlords
A new analysis of historical data shows that Conservative politicians Doug Ford and Pierre Poilievre (while serving as the Housing Minister in Stephen Harper's government) have systematically dismantled tenant protections while enriching their corporate landlord donors.
Ford's deceptively named Bill 184 allows evictions without hearings, while Poilievre presided over the sale of 800,000 affordable rental units to corporate investors during his tenure as Housing Minister in the Harper government.
These policies have failed spectacularly at increasing housing supply, instead creating a bonanza for corporate landlords and real estate speculators who are among the Conservative Party's biggest financial backers.
Rural Alberta Reveals Stark Divide in Canada's Energy Future
A revealing meeting in rural Alberta has exposed deep tensions within the global oil industry about who truly bears the burden of fossil fuel extraction.
The divide highlights the contrast between economic promises made by Big Oil and the day-to-day struggles faced by small communities living with industrial development.
The story illustrates the complex relationship between energy development, corporate profits, and community impacts in Canada's resource-dependent regions.
Sports News
🏒 Jr. Thunder's Winning Streak Snapped by Coquitlam
The Langley Jr. Thunder saw their impressive winning streak come to an end against Coquitlam in recent league action.
Coach remains optimistic, calling the loss "a learning opportunity for these guys" as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
The defeat serves as a valuable reminder that every game requires full effort, regardless of previous success.
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🏒 Vancouver Giants Star Cameron Schmidt Climbs NHL Draft Rankings
Vancouver Giants forward Cameron Schmidt is generating serious first-round buzz ahead of this weekend's NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles.
Eight different draft rankings have the 40-goal scorer as a first-round pick, with some analysts placing him as high as 19th overall.
Elite Prospects called him both the fastest skater and top marksman in the entire draft class - high praise for the Langley-based team's star.
🥎 Maple Ridge Player Beats Cancer, Makes Team Canada
Maple Ridge softball player Larissa Franklin has made an inspiring comeback to Team Canada after battling lymphoma.
Franklin is back in centre field representing her country, proving that determination can overcome even the most challenging health obstacles.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of athletes who refuse to let adversity define their careers.
🏃♀️ 55-Plus B.C. Games Countdown Begins with Torch Lighting
The countdown to the 55-Plus B.C. Games officially began with a torch lighting ceremony held June 19 at Nanaimo's Diana Krall Plaza.
The Games will run from September 9-13, bringing together mature athletes from across the province for competition and camaraderie.
The event celebrates the continuing athletic achievements of older British Columbians who prove that age is just a number when it comes to competitive spirit.
Events Happening Today
Zoning Bylaw Open House
- Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
- Location: Langley City Hall, 2nd floor
- Description: We’re developing a new Zoning Bylaw. Learn what’s changing, how it supports our growing and evolving community, and how you can provide your input.
- What the new zoning bylaw will do:
- Bring the City’s long-term land use and growth plans to life
- Update rules to support what matters today, like more affordable housing, economic development, and sustainability.
- Give homeowners and businesses more options and flexibility
- Make the bylaw easier to read and understand by reducing the number of zones from 100+ to less than 20
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Location: Douglas Park Spirit Square - 20550 Douglas Crescent,
- Description: Enjoy the Sounds of Summer Wednesday nights this summer in Langley City starting at 6:30pm. Each week will feature two local musician(s) / bands performing a variety of genres.
Langley Pride Mingler
- Time: 6:00pm
- Location: Camp Beer Co, 19664 64 Ave, Langley, BC V2Y 3J6
- Description: It's been a year since we had our first official event, and we are so excited to be back at camp beer co again! Come on by to meet new and old friends in the Langley community and celebrate pride month! Dress in monochrome colourful looks and help us create a rainbow together!
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